Guide for applying insulation to conductors



B. J. BARMACK GUIDE FOR APPLYING INSULATION TO CONDUCTORS April 3, 1945.

Filed June 13, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet l [ac cad e)".- Bof'ilS If flab/mack April 3, 1945. B. J. BARMACK 2,372,645

GUIDE FOR APPLYING INSULATION T0 CONDUCTORS Filed June 13, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 jhvcvzi ofi: 2/ Zion's 1f Barmac/ April 3, 1945. B. J. BARMACK 2,372,645

GUIDE FOR APPLYING INSULATION TO CONDUCTORS Filed June 13, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet' 3 2/ Jig/Q.

GUIDE FOR APPLYING INSULATION TO CONDUCTORS Filed June 13, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 "550 D2 cc/z/T/a- 50 Z cw's UT Ba W2 (107% 2/ J r m W m iii/637 Patented Apr. 3, 1945 PATENT OFFICE GUIDE FOR APPLYING INSULATION T OONDUCTORS Boris J. Barmack, Chicago, Ill. Application June 13, 1941, Serial No. 397,957

14 Claims.

The present invention relates to guides for applying insulation to electrical conductors such as wires and cables. More particularly, the invention pertains to improvements in guides for applying a tape'form of insulation longitudinally on the conductor wire. That is to say, the tape form of insulation is applied so as to embrace the conductor as a sheath, with the seam extending substantially longitudinally or axially of the conductor.

The present application is a continuation-inpart of my copending application Serial No. 238,- 969, filed November 5, 1938. The present application is also related to my recent companion application, Serial No. 396,442, filed June 3, which, likewise, was a continuation-impart of the earlier application Serial No. 238,969. This later application Serial No. 396,442 was issuedas Patent No. 2,345,229 on. March 28, 1944. My original, application Serial No. 238,969 disclosed one embodiment of the-improved guide constituting the subjectmatter of the present application. In my original application and in my recently filed copending, application I have disclosed various embodiments of insulating tape which can be applied longitudinally on theconductor by the improved guide apparatus herein shown. In itspreferred composition, such tape is advantageously composed of cellulosic materials, although it may also be composed of other materials, as set forth in myother applications. After the cellulosic tape has been applied to the conductor, one or more additional coverings is then applied over the tape, serving to hold the tape in place and to protect it from the weather, abrasion, and other deleterious factors. The preferred practice is to apply one or more braided coverings over the cellulosic tape, and to then impregnate the braids with an insulating saturant.

In connection with the application of the cellulosic tape to the conductor by the improved guide apparatus of the g tinct advantages accrue to this longitudinal application of the cellulosic tape. For example, where it is desired to maintain high dielectric and moisture excluding characteristics, it is necessary to overlap the material at the seam or meeting edges of the tape, and the longitudinal seam results in a smaller amount of scam area than in the case of a spiral seam following from a spiral application of a tape covering. Thus, the longitudinal method of application 'results in a decided saving of material. Also, the possibility of leakage through the seam is reduced proportionately to the reduction of seam area.

present application, dis- A further advantage of the longitudinal application of the cellulosic tape is the greater rapidity and facility with which it can be applied to the conductor. The cellulosic'tape can be ap- 5 plied directly in the braiding machine, preliminary to the application of the first braid on the conductor, and the tape can be applied as rapidly as the braids are applied, so that the step of applying the cellulosic material need not slow up 1 the operation-of appyling the braids.

The various features, objects, and advantages of my improved guide from the following detail description of different preferred embodiments. In the accompanying drawings illustrating such embodiments:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of my improved guide apparatus;

Figures 2, 8, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 are sectional views 2" taken on the planes of the lines 2-2, 3-3, 4-4,

5-5, 6-6, 'l-l, and 8-8, respectively, of Figure 1.

Figure 9 is a cross sectional view through the finished conductor after the longitudinal tape has been applied by the guide apparatus of Figures 1 to 8, and after the outer braids have been applied over the tape;

Figure 10 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of my improved guide apparatus, particularly adapted for the separate application of two tapes or layers to the conductor in building up a multi-ply longitudinal tape on the con- -ductor;

Figure 11 is a view at right angles to Figure 10 as represented by the arrows ll-ll of Figure as Figure 12 is a similar view from the opposite side, as represented by the arrows l2-l2 of Figure 10;

Figures l3, 14, 15, and 16 are transverse sectional views taken on the planes of the lines l3-l3, I4-l4, l5-l5, and Iii-I6, respectively, of Figure 10;

Figure 1'7 is a cross sectional view through the finished conductor after the two diametrically opposite longitudinal tapes have been applied to the conductor by the guide apparatus of Figures 10 to 16 and after the outer braids have been applied over the tape;

Figure 18 is a side elevational view of still another embodiment of my improved guideapparatus;

Figure 19 is a fragmentary front view of latter embodiment of guide;

the

apparatus will appear Figure 20 is a longitudinal detail sectiori' these platforms each through the mounting spring of said latter embodiment;

Figures 21, 22, and 23 are transverse detail sections taken approximately on the planes of the lines 2l- -2I, 22-22, and 23-43 of Figure 18;

Figure 24 is a cross sectional view of thefin ished conductor after the two tapes have been applied by the guide apparatus of Figures 18 to 23; and

Figure 25 is a side elevational view of a'further embodiment of my improved ratus.

Referring to through the decks or platforms substantially centrally thereof. Each platform carries a series of bobbins or spools of yarn which are shuttled in and out with a rotary motion and from which the threads run inwardly to the centrally disposed wire in the application of each braid. If two braids are to be applied, there are two of carrying a series of rotat bobbins, and, if only one braid'is to be applied, there is only one platform carrying a series of rotating bobbins. The improved guide apparatus for enveloping the wire in the cellulose sheath, prior to the application of the first braid, is mounted on the lowermost of such platformscarrying a series of rotating bobbins. One of these platforms is diagrammatically illustrated at 50. The insulating tape is indicated in its entirety at T, this tape being led from a supply reel which is usually located to one side of the machine. In this type of installation, the tape is thence directed around a guide roller for passing upwardly to the guide apparatus. With this embodiment of guide apparatus, the tape may consist of only a single ply thickness of material, or it may be a multi-ply or composite tape made up of a plurality of plies or layers ,of material, as disclosed in my copendlng applications. Such tape comprising a multi-ply or composite arrangement of two or more thicknesses may be built up or pre-fabricated before being led-to the-guide apparatus.

The guide apparatus comprises a vertical guide tube 52 which serves to direct the conductor 2! to the point where the tape is to be applied- This tube is suitably supported on the platform 50, as by an angle bracket 53 which is bolted to the platform at 54. The upper end of the bracket is formed with a circular clamping portion 55 which releasably grips the tube 52 through the instru- 'mentality of the screw 56. Releasing this screw guide appaapparatus guides 5i and B2. The intervening opening or space 63 between these two guides enables the cellulose tape to be with greater ease and facility in the initial operation of starting the tape, as will pres-' ently appear. Referring first to-the lower tape folding guide 8|, this guidecomprlses a short sleeve 64 rigidly secured to the tube 52, and a sheet metal guide element 65 which is rigidly secured to the sleeve 64.. As shown in Figure 2, theguide member 65 has inwardly bent side lips 66 which form guide channels for confining the edges of the cellulose tape. The guide member.

\ bent side lips I2 which form guide channels for guide device 6|.

starts with a flat contour at the lower end where the tape enters, and from this point upwardly the guide member takes on a cylindrical contour of graduailydiminishing radius. gradually folded or curled along its lengthwise dimension in passing upwardly through the lower The upper ends of the inwardly bentside lips 66 are secured in any suitable manner to the sleeve 64, such as by welding, brazing or soldering, as indicated at 61.

That portion of the tape issuing from the upper end of the guide or forming element 6| is only partly curled into the finished cylindrical sheath. The remainder ,of the folding or curling operation is performed within the upper guide or foldina element 62. The tape encounters appreciable friction in the folding or shaping operation, and when the entire operation is performed in a single continuous guide structure, difficulty is sometimes encountered in forcing the starting end of a very thin, pliable tape entirely through such guide structure. This is avoided by having the entire guide or folding device separated into two spaced sections BI and 62, withthe intervening opening 63. The tape can be grasped with the fingers in this opening, being squeezed against the surface of the tube 52 and then pushed upwardly t; feed the same through the upper guide section 6 The upper guide section also comprises a sheet metal strip ll which has its lower portion curved to a substantially semicircular contour, as shown in Figure 5. This lower portion has inwardly the edges of the ta'pe,similarly 'to the side lips 56 of the lower guide section. These side lips 12 start from the lower end of the upper section 62 and terminate approximately at or slightly above the end 51 of the supporting guide tube v52. Said lips are suitably secured to the guide tube, as by welding, brazing, or soldering, such being indicated at 33. From the point where the upper ends of the lips 12 terminate, the sheet metal side walls of the guide device taperinwardly in the form of two skirt portions 14 and I5. The skirt portion l6 converges inwardly at a sharper taper than the skirt portion '55, and hence that edge of the tape which is guided by the skirt'portion i4 is wrapped directly against the wire, whereas enables the tube 52 to be shifted upwardly or downwardly in the clamping portion 55 for ad-. justing the height of the guide apparatus relatively to the platform 50. This adjustable mounting also enables the guide tube 52 and the folding guide apparatus carried thereby to be rotated to different angular positionsto enable the insulating tape or tapes to be led in from differat angles. The upper end of the tube 52 is indicated in dotted lines at 51.

Fixedly mounted on the upper portion of the tube 52 are two vertically spaced tape folding that ,edge of the tape which is guided by the other skirt portion i5 is caused to overlap the firstmentioned edge of the tape.

Secured to the upper end of the sheet metal portion H, as by the welded, brazed, or soldered joint 18, is an end guide or nose 19. Formed within this end guide or tip 19 is a tapered bore I 80, see Figure 8, which is accurately aligned with the upper end 51 'of the supporting guide tube 52. The aforementioned skirt portion 14 which has the sharper taper for directing one edge of the tape into direct contact with the wire extends slightly up into the enlarged lower'end of threaded through the guide Thus, the tape is I jacent to the lower end of the guide tip 18. The

reduced upper end of the tapered bore 88 is accurately gauged to have a relatively snug fit over the cellulose sheath when the latter snugly' encircles the-wire. Thus, this tapered bore serves to cylindrically press or compact the cellulose tape about the wire so that the sheath is firmly closed around the wire. serves to accurately guide the sheathed wire at a point beyond the folding zonerwhere the skirt portions 14 and 15 wrap the tape about the wire. Thus this upper guide 18 prevents any whipping or throwing of the wire such as might bring it into too close proximity to the inner skirt'portion 14. Whipping of the wire towards this inner skirt portion may cause the cellulose tape to be scored or cut by pressure contact against the edge of said inner skirt portion, or may cause rapid wear of said skirt portion. Both of these conditions are avoided by provision of the upper guide tip 18. The latter is preferably composed of relatively hard metal so as to minimize wear from contact with the tape passing therethrough.

.-- Figure 9 is a cross section through the finished conductor after the tape T has been applied thereto by the guide apparatus of Figures 1 to 8,

inclusive, and after the two outer braids have been applied over the longitudinal tape. In the example illustrated, the tape is of multi-ply or e composite fabrication comprising an inner ply or layer 28, an outer ply or layer 21, and an adhesive or bonding medium 28 therebetween for causing the two plies to adhere to each other. As illustrative of preferred materials which may be applied, the inner ply 28- may be composed of cellulose acetate or ethyl cellulose, and the outer ply 27 may be composed of regenerated cellulose, such as MST Cellophane manufactured by E, I. du Pont de Nemours 81 Company. The adhesive 28 may be any suitable bonding medium, or it may be the heat-sealing coating which is a characteristic of the MST Cello-' phane. The two outer braids 23 and 24 which are applied over the tape Tare preferably impregnated with a saturant such as an air-blown petroleum asphalt maintained at a fluid temperature in the neighborhood of 300 to 350 F. The temperature of this saturant effects a heat seal of the tape and also renders any thermoplastic materials of the tape'sufliciently plastic for a short time to assist in sealing the seam 29 and to close all interstices, air spaces, etc. For a more detailed description of the different component materials of which the tape T can be made, and for a more detailed description of the action of the high temperature saturant on the tape and on the braids, attention is directed to my aforementioned copending applications.

The embodiment of guide apparatus illustrated in Figures to 16, inclusive, has been devised to apply separate tapes TI and T2 to the conductor 2| at angularly spaced points around the conductor. For example, the two tapes may be applied to the conductor from diametrically opposite sides thereof 'so that the seam of the outer tape is diametrically opposite to the seam of the inner tape, 1. e., angularly spaced substantially 180 therefrom, as shown in Figure 17. In many respects this modified constructibn is substan -tially identical with the previously described construction, and, accordingly, in referring to identical or corresponding parts in the modified construction the same reference numeral pre- Said tapered bore also g s -3 vlously used will be "11 applied thereto. The. guide tube ported on the platform 58 by the angle bracket lar clamping portion 55a which releasably grips the tube 82a through the instrumentality of the screw 58a, the release of which enables the tube 52a to be shifted upwardly or downwardly in the clamping portion for adjusting the height of the guide apparatus relatively to the platform 58. The upper end of the tube 52a is indicated in dotted lines at 51a. The first or inner tape TI passes around the guide rol passes upwardly through th folding guides 6| a and 62a. tape T2 is led to the guide diametrically opposite side of the conductor, from whence it passes around the guide roller SI and thence upwardly through the two vertically spaced folding guides 8| and 82.

Referring to the folding guides 8|a and 62a of the inner tape T|, stantially identical with the lower guide 6| of the preceding embodiment, and, similarly, the upper guide 62a is also substantially identical with the upperguide 62 of said preceding embodiment. The cylindrical nose 19a which extends from the upper guide 821; of this second embodiment is substantially identical with the end guide or nose 19 of the first embodiment. However, in this second embodiment, such cylindrical nose 19a is not the end tip of the guide apparatus, but instead another end tip or nose 88 projects upwardly from the end of the other tape guide 82. The intervening opening or space 68a is retained between the lower and upper ler SI and thence e vertically spaced The second or outer apparatus from the guides Ma and 62a substantially-as in the preceding embod iment, so as to enable the tape TI 4|) guide 8|a in that the lower entrance end of the guide 8| is relatively flat for receiving the entering tape T2 (Figurelfi) and the upper discharge end of the guide is curved considerably to start the operation of folding or wrapping the tape T2 over the outside of the inner tape Tl (Figure 15). This guide has inwardly bent side lips 86 which form guide channels for confining the edges of the tape T2. The lower portion of said guide 8| is soldered or otherwise secured to a metallic strap 81 which embraces the tube 52a immediately above the guidefila. As shown in Figure 16, a flat strip or bar 88 has its ends soldered to the lower corners of the guide lips 86, and the mounting strap 81 is soldered to this bar and to- 5 the tube 52a. At the upper discharge end of the 1 guide 8| an arcuate plate 89 is soldered to the guide lips 86 and then in turn to the lower end of the guide 82a.

An intervening opening or space 9| is provided between the discharge end of the lower guide 8| and the entrance end of the upper guide 82. This space 8| facilitates threading the second tape T2 through the lower and upper guides 8| and 82, in substantially the same manner described of the openings 88 and 88a.

pl yed, with the sufllx:

52ais supfla which is bolted to the platform at 580.. The upper end of the bracket is formed with a circu-' the lower guide 6|a is sub- 8| is formed quite similar to the opposite lower e The upp r snide per guide 82 um 14. Said lower upper ends 82 for the second tape is quite in construction and operation to the upor 020 for the tape T or TI. This section comprises a sheet metal strip 92 which has its lower portion curved to a substantially semi-circular contour, as shown in Figportlon has inwardly bent side lips 98 which form guide channels for the edges of the tape, similarly to the side lips st of the lower guide section at. These side lips 83 start lrom the lower end or the upper guide section 82 and terminate below the upper end of the circular end piece lea, as clearly shown in Figure ll. Said lips are suitably secured to the end member ltd, as by welding, brazing, or solderins, as indicated at 82., From the point where the of the lips 93 terate, the sheet metal side walls of this guide device 82 taper inwardly in the form of two skirt portions at and 95 (Figures 11 and 13), similarly to the manner in which the two skirt portions its and lea 01 the guide 82d taper inwardly. The skirt portion 9d converges inwardly at a sharper taper than the skirt portion 9 5 (Figure 13), and hence that edge or the tape T2 which is guided by the skirt portime @d is wrapped directly against the inner tape Tl, whereas that edge of the tape T2 which is guided by the other skirt portion 95 is caused to overlap the first-mentioned edge of the tape. As shown inFigure 13, the separate guide sections for the'inner and outer tapes are so arranged that the overlap seam of the inner tape TI extends longitudinally along one side of the conductor and the overlap seam of the outer tape T2 extends longitudinally of the conductor at the diametrically opposite side, whereby there is an angular span of approximately 180 between the overlap seam of the inner tape and the overlap seam of the outer tape. The skirt portion 14a of the guide section 62a and the skirt portion 94 of the guide section 82 are preferably arranged innermost with respect to their companion skirt portions 150 and 95 so that the direction of overlap of the seam of the outer tape corresponds to the direction of overlap of the seam of the inner tape, as shown in Figure 13. This arrangement may be reversed, if desired, so that the two tapes will not have the same direction of overlap.

Secured to the upper end of the sheet metal guideportion 92, as by the welded, brazed or soldered Joint 98, is an end guide or nose 99. Formed within this end guide or tip 99 is a tapered bore I00 corresponding to the tapered bore 80 of Figure 8, this tapered bore being accurately alined with the upper end 51a of the supporting guide tube 52a. The aforementioned skirt portion 94 which has the sharper taper for directing one edge of the tape T2 into direct contact with the inner tape TI extends slightly up into the enlarged lower end of the tapered bore I00, terminating in said bore adjacent to the lower end of the guide tip 99. The reduced upper end of the tapered bore I00 is accurately gauged to have a relatively snug fit over similar upper guide the two tapes TI and T2 when the latter snugly encircle the wire 2|.

Thus, this taperedbore serves to cylindrically compress or compact the cellulose tapesTI and T2 about the wire so that the composite cellulose tape is firmly closed around the wire. Said tapered bore also serves to accurately guide the sheathed wire at a point beyond the folding zone where the skirt portions 94 and 95 lap the outer tape about the inner tape, substantially as described in connection with the tapered bore 80 of the first described embodiment.

I! desired, a longitudinal slot I02 may be formed ,a sharp instrument in the guidin and to be engaged more effectively against the tape Tl i'or threading the starting end of such tape upwardly through the guiding and folding devices 8m and 62s. A like arrangement may be provided for the outer tape T2, if desired. Each tape TI and T2 may he composed of a single ply thickness of material, or either or both tapes may be composed of a multi-ply or laminated arrangement, as disclosed in my copending applications.

Referring now to the third embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figures l8to 23, inclusive, there are several elements in this embodiment which are similar to or identical with elements in the first described embodiment, and to such elements I shall apply the same reference numerals with the sumx "b appended thereto. The main guide tube 52?) is suitably supported on the platform 56 by the angle bracket 53?) which is bolted to the platform 5% as previously described. Releasing the screw 56b of the circular clamping portions 5512 enables the tube 622; to be shifted upwardly or downwardly in said clamping portion for adjusting the height or an-' gular position of the gude apparatus relatively to the platform 58. The upper end of the guide tube 52b is indicated in dotted lines 5Tb. This embodiment also comprises a lower folding guide section are and an upper folding guide section 6212, separated by an intervening vertical space 83!). These two guide sections are preferably constructed to simultaneously apply two tapes T3 and T4 in directly superposed relation on the conductor 2|. To this end, the lower guide section SIb comprises three strips of sheet metal I04, I05 and I06 defining the inner, intermediate and outer walls of two guideways through which the two tapes are passed. This guide assembly is secured to the tube 52b by a mounting strap I01 which is soldered to the inner strip I04 and which 'em braces the tube 521). Side lips I65 on the strip I05 are soldered to the strip I04, and side lips I06 on the strip I06 are soldered to the strip I05, thereby forming guide channels for confining the edges of the two tapes. The lower ends of these guide channels are relatively fiat, and the upper ends have a substantial curvature formed therein for starting the cylindrical curvature in the tapes as they issue from this lower guide assembly.

The upper guide device 62b receives both tapes T3 and T4 within a single guide channel III formed in the upper guide device. The lower portion of the guide section 62b is formed with inwardly turned side lips II 2 which are soldered to a short cylindrical mounting sleeve Ill. Above this mounting sleeve the two side portions of the sheet metal member 62b taper and converge inwardly to form the skirt portions IIS and H6 for efiecting the overlapping seam relation of the two tapes about the conductor. Thetongue of sheet metal, of which the portion Ill and H5 form the side edges, diminishes in width as it proceeds upwardly. This tapering tongue of sheet metal is also cut on a constantly changing bias so that the outer edge II6 has a helical pitch angle which continuously diminishes toward theupper end of the guide device. This results in the sheet metal being formed with a spiral or helical extremity II8 which is wrapped almost completely upon itself. The result of this particular formation is the production of a resiliently expansible tip I 18 which constantly maintains a resilient compression pressure against the folding device 82a to permit lengths of tape two tapes as the conductor and tapes issue from the upper end of the guide apparatus.

This upper guidev section 52b and resiliently expansible tip I I 9 have a flexible mounting which enable them to swing laterally in any direction, so that if the wire tends to whip or throw laterally as it issues from the upper end of the guide apparatus there will be no tendency to cut or score the cellulosic tapes against the discharge tip. Such flexible mounting is obtained through the interposition of a helically between the upper and lower sections of the guide apparatus. The lower convolutions of said spring are soldered within a sleeve I 23 which has its lower end soldered over the upper end of the main guide tube 52b, as shown in Figure 20. The upper portion of the spring I22 extends up through the sleeve H4 and through thesurrounding portion of the guide section 52b, the spring being rigidly secured thereto by soldering, brazing or in any other desired manner. The free intermediate convolutions of the spring between the sleeve I23 and the sleeve II4 permit lateral flexing or tipping of theguide section 52b and tip H9 in any direction relatively to the lower guide section 52b. To prevent any accidental elongation of this portion of the spring beyond its elastic limit, a cooperating stop eye I25 are secured to the lower and upper guide sections, in shunt of the spring. The eye I25 is formed integral with or is secured to the sleeve I23, and the hook I25 is formed integral with or is secured to the sleeve Ill. The aperture I25 in the eye member I25 is made considerably larger than the hook I25 so as to siderable range of tilting movement of the upper guide section relatively to the lower guide sec-7v tion without having the hook strike the side edges of the aperture I25. The principal function of these two stop members I25, I26 is to prevent the entire upper guide section from being pulled upwardly beyond the elastic limit of the spring I22 in the event of accidental jamming of the wire and tapes in the upper constricted end of the guide apparatus. For example, an imperfect joint occurring between the ends of two adjoining may create a thickened portion which will exert a considerable friction within the resiliently expansible tip H9 of the guide apparatus. This frictional drag may tend to pull the, upper guide section upwardly withthe wire with sufficient force to stretch and deform the coiledswire spring I22 permit a conposite sides of the wire,

and stop hook I26 spring I22 unless positive stop means he provided t for limiting suchupwarld motion of the guide tip. The stop means I25, I26 performs this function oi'limiting upward movement of the upper guide section and also performs the function of. preventing" any abnormally large lateral deflection of the upper guide section in the whipping or throwing of the wire. V

Figure 24 illustrates a cross-section of the finished conductor wherein the two tapes T3 and T4 have been applied by the guide apparatus of Figures 18 to 23. The overlapping edges of the tapes are either superposed or in close proximity to each otheiz, The resiliently expansible and contractible tip' H9 functions somewhat analogously to an extruding or shaping die for closely compacting, the two tapes against the wire and against eachother, and for causing the two tapes to be compressed in a very tight wrap. Each tape may be of single ply or multi-ply construction.

vFigure 25 illustrates another embodiment which combines certain-features of Figures 10 and 18. In this construction, the two tapes T5 means for pressing so that the seams 29 and 29 are disposed at op- The inner or first tape T5 passes through the folding guides Glb and 52b, which are similar to the guides Glb and 62b of Figure 18. The outer or second tape T6, passes through the guides 8| and 82', which are similar to guides 8| and 82 of Figure 10. The two tapes are brought together in the upper guide 82' substantially in the same manner as in Figure 10. However, in this embodiment of Figure 25 the guide 82' does not terminate in the rigid end tip 99. as in Figure 10, but instead it extends upwardly as indicated at I H8 to form the resiliently expansible end tip II! of Figure 18. This end tip compresses both tapes against the wire in substantially the same manner described in connection with Figure 18. The upper section of the guide apparatus is resiliently mounted for limited lateral flexing and endwise shifting through the interposition of the helical spring I22 between the sleeve I23 and the upper portion of the unit' carrying the guide sections 52b, 8|, 82"and expansible tip H9. The stop members I25, I26 limit the flexing or extension of the spring.

In each of the above-described embodiments the guide apparatus is preferably adjusted ver tically in the adjustable mounting bracket 53-530 to dispose the tip end of the apparatus in relatively close proximity to thelevel where the first layer of braid 23 is applied. For example, the level where the wire and its insulating tape or tapes issue from the guide apparatus may be only an inch or two below the level where the threads of the first braid start wrapping around the wire and tapes. Hence, there is no opportunity for either tape to become loosened or unwrapped before the braids envelope the tapes and anchor them in place.

While I have illustrated what I regard to be the preferred embodiments of my invention, nevertheless it will be understood that such are merely exemplary and that numerous modifications and rearrangements may be made therein without departing from the essence of the invention.

, I claim:

1. In guide apparatus of the class described, the combination of a receiving portion for receiving a wire and directing it generally to the point where atape is to be applied, folding means folding the tape around the wire in longitudinally extending sheath form, said folding means comprising one skirt portion for directing one edge of the tape into contact with the wire and another skirt portion for folding the opposite edge of the tape over. the first-named edge to form an overlapping seam, an end guide beyond said folding said tape against the wire, and means mounting said end guide for lateral movement relatively to said receiving portion of the guide apparatus.

2. In guide apparatus of the class described, combination of means for guiding a wire to point where a tape is to be applied, a first guide for partially shaping the tape to sheath form, a second guide for continuing the shaping of the tape to sheath form around the wire, said two guides having an open space therebetween in which the tape can be grasped to facilitate threading the tape through the guide apparatus,

as shown in Figure 17.

7 above said folding wire from a source of supply,

tape along a conductoa wire with its seam extending substantially parallel to the length of the wire, the combination of a main guide-tube adapted to receive a wire from a source of supply,

a bracket for mounting said guide tube on the a braiding machine, said bracket adjusting means for adiusting the height of said guide tube, a tape folding guide carried by the upper portion of said guide tu and receiving the insulating tape from a source of supply, said folding guide folding the tape about the wire in sheath form, end portion guide for pressing said tape against the wire, and movable mounting means enabling said end portion to be deflected laterally in folio 1:: the run oi the wire.

d. In apparatus for mounting in a if mace for up 3-112 7 m 1 tape as. tudlnally along a conductor preparatory to ap= plying a braid over the conductor, the combina= tion of a main guide tube adapted to receive the wire from a source of supply, a bracket for mounting said guide tube on a platform of said braiding machine, said bracket compris a clamping portion embracing said tube and releasable to enable said tube to be adjusted ver= tically to said braiding machine, a lower tape folding guide carried by said tube and the insulating tape from a source of. supply. said lower folding guide partially folding the tape about the wire in sheath form as the wire issues from said guide tube, an upper tape folding guide above said lower guide for continuing the shaping of the tape about the wire to produce an enclosing insulating sheath with its seam extending axially of the wire, and mounting means for said upper folding guide enabling said guide to be deflected laterally in following the run of the wire, said wire passing through said mounting means.

5. In apparatus for mounting in a braiding platform of comprising machine for applying an insulating tape longit- -tudinally along a conductor preparatory to apa braid over the conductor, the combinaguide tube adapted to receive the a bracket for mounting said guide tube on a platform of said braiding machine, said bracket comprising a clamping portion embracing said tube and releasable to enable said tube to be adjusted vertically and p yi .tion of a main rotatively relatively to said braiding machine, a

lower tape folding guide carried by said tube and receiving the insulating tape from a source of supply, said lower folding guide partially folding the tape about the wire in sheath form as the wire issues from said guide tube, an upper tape folding guide above said lower guide for continuing the shaping of the tape about the wire to produce an enclosing insulating sheath with'its seam extending axially of the wire, said lower and receiving in'g guide above said lower de for continuin the shaping of the tape about the wire to produce an enclosing insulating sheath with its seam extending axially of the wire, and mounting means enabling said upper folding guide to have free lateral movement said lower folding guide-and said upper folding guide having an open space therebetween in which the tape can be grasped to facilitate threading the tape through the guide apparatus.

l. in apparatus for applying an insulating tape along a conductor wire with its seam extending lengthwise of the wire, the combination of a main guide tube adapted to receive the wire from a source of supply, a lower tape folding guide carried by said tube and receiving the insulating tape from a source oi supply, said lower guide partially 1., the tape about the wire in sheath form as the wire issues from said guide tube, an upper tape folding guide above said lower guide for continuing the shaping of the tape along the wire, said upper folding guide comprising two skirt portions converging toward the wire for causing the side edges of said tape to be brought together about the wire in an overlapping seam which extends lengthwise of the wire, one of said skirt portions converging toward the wire at a more rapid rate than the other skirt portion for causing its side edge of the tape to occupy an under position in said overlapping seam, said lower folding guide and said upper folding guide having an open space therebetween in which the tape can be grasped to facilitate threading the tape through the apparatus, a coiled spring resiliently supporting said upper folding guide for yieldable movement, said wire passing through said coiled spring, and stop means for limiting the range of movement.

8. In apparatusfor applyin an insulating tape along a conductor wire with its seam extending lengthwise of the wire, the combination of a main guide tube adapted to receive the wire from a source of supply, a lower tape folding guide carupper guides having an open space therebetween in which the tape can be grasped to facilitate threading the tape through the guide apparatus, and means movably mounting said upper folding guide on the upperportion of said guide tube.

6. In apparatus for applying an insulating tape along a conductor wire with its seam extending substantially parallel to the length of the wire, the combination of a main guide tube adapted to receive the wire from a source of supply, a lower tape folding guide carried by said tube and receiving the insulating tape from a source of supply, said lower folding guide partially folding the tape about the wire in sheath form as the wire issues from said guide tube, an upper tape foldried by said tube and receiving the insulating tape from a source of supply, said lower guide partially folding the tape about the wire in sheath form as the wire issues from said guide tube, an upper tape foldin guide above said lower guide for continuing the shaping of the tape along the wire, said up r folding guide comprising two skirt portions converging toward the wire for causing the side edges of the tape to be brought together about the wire in an overlapp B seam which extends lengthwise of the wire, one of said skirt portions converging towards the wire at a more rapid rate than the other skirt portion for causing its side edge of the tape to occupy an under position in said overlappin seam, and spring means resil ently supporting said upper guide for permitting lateral movement thereof relatively to said lower guide.

9. Ira-apparatus for applyin a tape lengthwise of afconductor wire. the combination of tape folding means through which the tape passes in being applied to the wire, and resilient mounting means for said folding means permitting displacement of the latter from a normal position said yieldable laterally or longitudi-" nally with respect to the normal path of the wire, said wire running through said coil spring.

11. In apparatus for applying a' plurality of tapes lengthwise of a conductor wire, the combination of wire guiding means, tape guiding and folding means arranged to guide inner and outer tapes to the wire from opposite sides thereof and to fold said tapes about said wire to form inner and outer sheaths having longitudinally extending seams disposed substantially at opposite sides of the wire, a tip portion through which the wire and applied tapes pass, and resilient mounting means enabling said tip portion to swing laterally relatively to a normal position.

12. In an apparatus for applying an insulating tape along a conductor wire with its seam extending substantially parallel to the length of the wire, the combination of a main guide tube adapted to receive the wire from a source of supply, a tape folding guide adapted to fold the insulating tape about said wire, a tip portion through which the wire and applied tape passed,'a helically coiled mounting spring nected between said guide tube par tion for resiliently mounting said tip portion for endwise and lateral movement relatively to said guide tube, said wire passing axially through said mounting spring, and stop means for limiting the endwise and lateral movement of said tip portion relatively to said guide tube.

13. In apparatus for applying a tape lengthwise of a conductor wire, the combination of tape folding means through which the tape passes in being applied to the wire, and resilient mounting means for said folding means permitting iongitudinal and lateral displacement of the latter from a normal position under stress imposed thereon by the wire.

14. In apparatus for applying a tape lengthwise of a conductor wire, the combination of tape folding means through which the tape passes in being applied to the wire, and resilient mounting means for said; folding means permitting lo 3 displacement of the letter from a n osition under stress imposed thereon by i e wire.

BORIS J. BARMACK. 

